An Overview of Spinal Stenosis

Answer 1

Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition of the spine. It usually occurs in the neck or the lower back when that area of the spine narrows. When the spine narrows, pressure is put on the spinal cord itself or the nerves in the area. This condition can cause pain or numbness in the legs and back or neck, shoulder, or arms, depending which nerves are compressed. The pain is described as an ache or as an electrical shock shooting down the arm or the leg. It can also cause pain in the leg when walking.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

While many things can cause narrowing of the space in the spinal canal, most of them are due to the degeneration that aging causes like osteoarthritis, disk degeneration, or thickened ligaments.

Spinal stenosis can also result from spinal injuries, spinal tumors, and genetic disorders.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Even though spinal stenosis can be seen on X-rays, it often presents no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they will usually get worse with time. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the lower back and the neck.

Symptoms of cervical stenosis which occurs in the neck include: Weakness, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the leg, foot, hand, or arm; pain in the neck or shoulders; and, in more serious cases, it can lead to incontinence.

Symptoms of compressed nerves in the lumbar spine (lower back) include leg cramps when standing for long periods or when walking.

Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

Doctors may prescribe certain medications if over-the-counter options for pain do not work. Certain antidepressants can ease the pain of spinal stenosis as can anti-seizure drugs. Opiods like hydrocodone and oxycodone are commonly used pain relievers.

Doctors may also prescribe physical therapy and exercise to improve balance, build strength in the spine, and to keep the spine flexible.

Surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may be recommended when all other treatments have failed and the symptoms are debilitating.

At-home remedies combined with doctor recommended treatments also can help. Applying heat or cold to the area may relieve some of the symptoms of cervical stenosis. For lumbar stenosis, losing any extra weight will reduce the extra stress on the bones and joints. Using a walker or cane can relieve the pain because they let the patient lean forward as they walk.